City of Phoenix Announces Government Relations and Parks and Recreation Directors

Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher announced the selection of Ilse Borquez as the Interim Government Relations Director and Martin Whitfield as Interim Parks and Recreation Director. The appointments are effective Jan. 19, 2026.

 “I am pleased to promote two highly effective leaders within the City of Phoenix,” said Zuercher. “The Office of Government Relations and the Parks and Recreation Department play vital roles, and both Ilse and Marty bring a  strong commitment to serving the community to these essential areas.”

Ilse Borquez

Ilse Borquez joined the City of Phoenix in 2023 as the Manager of State Government Relations. In this role, she represented the City of Phoenix at the State Capitol on several key issues including land use, housing, public safety, finance, human resources, human services, and homelessness. She successfully secured state funding, advanced proactive legislation to address critical public safety staffing needs and worked to defeat dozens of state proposals aimed at limiting local control.  

Prior to joining the City, Ilse worked at a local lobbying firm advocating for clients before the Arizona State Legislature. She began her career at the Arizona State Senate, where she staffed the Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee during negotiations on the Drought Contingency Plan. Ilse holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Arizona State University.

“I’m excited to serve in this role and continue to advocate for the City and our residents at the local, state and federal level." said Ilse Borquez, Interim Government Relations Director. “This office plays an essential role in preserving local authority and ensuring Mayor and Council can continue to set policy in the best interests of residents, businesses, and visitors. I look forward to advancing this work.”

Martin Whitfield

Martin (Marty) Whitfield, a native Phoenician, began his career with the City of Phoenix in 2002 as a Human Resources Aide. Throughout the last 24 years, Marty has held a series of progressively responsible leadership positions across multiple City departments, most recently serving as an Assistant Director in the Parks and Recreation Department, where he manages one of the largest municipal parks and recreation systems in the nation.  

His extensive experience includes serving as Deputy Director in the Public Works Department, a Management Services Administrator with the Phoenix Public Library, a Special Projects Administrator in the City Manager’s Office, and holding various positions at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Marty also served two Phoenix City Council offices, supporting important community initiatives. 

Marty holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management, both from Arizona State University.

”It’s a privilege to step into the role of Interim Director and continue the important work of our Parks and Recreation Department. Our parks are the heart of the community, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our dedicated team to provide safe, welcoming spaces and exceptional programs for all Phoenix residents,” said Marty Whitfield, Interim Parks and Recreation Director.